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Ugh...Starting Problem Is Bizarre

Old Oct 6, 2006 | 10:35 AM
  #1  
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Ugh...Starting Problem Is Bizarre

Im stumped...Ive read about a dozen threads about other peoples starting problems and it doesnt seem to be the same as others,kinda like a little bit of a few. Ok last week car would crank slowly,it would fire right up but it took the starter a fgew seconds to get a good crank..ok put a load test on the battery,came up weak.Replaced the battery.Checked the alternator and is charging fine.Couple days pass but still every once in awhile it would crank slowly,while other times it would crank like it was brand new.Figured I was gonna try replacing the starter this weekend but then today happened.Start the car to leave my shop,cranks fine no problems.Get to where Im goin and come back out to start the car...nothing. The lights were on,radio everything but when I turn the key,nothing.Thought maybe it had something to do with that switch that detects the car in park,so I tried it in nuetral figuring that would bypass that problem,still nothing.Turned the key about 20 times and everytime nothing,then on like the 21st time,it cranked and started right up.Drove the car back to my shop,turned it off to show one of my mechanics what Im talking about. I shut it off and go to start it again and VERY sluggish to crank but it cranked and started....then shut it off and tried again ut this time it cranked and started like there was never a problem,tried it twice more and same thing....WTF? I figured it to be cheaper to replace the switch first but then other posts had me thinking it could be the starter..could I have the double play here,both starter AND switch on its was out? I hate to kick out for that starter(? the price but Im sure its more than the switch) but dont wanna blow the money on either if its not the problem. I have a motorcycle shop here in Philly so tools and place to work is no problem but just cant decide where to start?Any ideas guys,please Im freakin out here,I just hate problems and the car has never given any reason to doubt its reliability so I wanna just square this away.
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 12:54 PM
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start with the ignition switch and not the neutral/park sensor/switch..
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 01:12 PM
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Thats what I was kinda hoping to hear....them switches are like 30 bucks right?Worst problem is its raining pretty hard out,Im at work and busy,never gonna have time to do it today,hopefully no problems tonight or tomorrow morning then Ill try the switch....Will I have to go to Nissan for the switch?Or will a parts store have it....Unfortuneatly I have a motorcycle shop so in this scenario its not helping me any.
Old Oct 7, 2006 | 12:12 PM
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Replaced the switch today,the old one didnt look bad,like none of the connectors looked shotty or loose,but I guess maybe something inside? Anyway after replacing it I started the car about 30 times today throughout the day all without incident so keeping fingers crossed...thanks bro
Old Oct 7, 2006 | 06:45 PM
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Hey man..I got the same exact problem with my car today..i'm no mechanical expert but im sure i could change this "switch" your talkin bout. Can you get it at any local auto store? and where is the switch located at? any info is help to me..thanks man
Old Oct 7, 2006 | 11:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Godson
Replaced the switch today,the old one didnt look bad,like none of the connectors looked shotty or loose,but I guess maybe something inside? Anyway after replacing it I started the car about 30 times today throughout the day all without incident so keeping fingers crossed...thanks bro

no problem... glad to help you resolve your starting issue..
meanwhile, I am still trying to resolve mine... lol
Old Oct 8, 2006 | 06:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Godson
Replaced the switch today,the old one didnt look bad,like none of the connectors looked shotty or loose,but I guess maybe something inside? Anyway after replacing it I started the car about 30 times today throughout the day all without incident so keeping fingers crossed...thanks bro

no problem... glad to help you resolve your starting issue..
meanwhile, I am still trying to resolve mine... lol
Old Oct 8, 2006 | 06:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Kyle99
Hey man..I got the same exact problem with my car today..i'm no mechanical expert but im sure i could change this "switch" your talkin bout. Can you get it at any local auto store? and where is the switch located at? any info is help to me..thanks man

this Ignition switch can be purchased at the dealer, I got mine for $40.00 CDN at the dealer...

Very easy to replace..hardest part for me was re-assembling the plastic shell of the steering column.
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